Continuing the effort to ensure all Kentuckians travel on safe and reliable roads, Governor Ernie Fletcher and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet have approved a $153,172 contract for upgrades to the AA Highway at the intersection of KY 57 in Lewis County.

“With Governor Fletcher’s leadership, we remain focused on our mission to deliver a safe, modern, and efficient transportation system for Kentucky, which truly has a positive impact on every life in the commonwealth,” said Secretary Bill Nighbert, of the Transportation Cabinet. “As a part of the governor’s commitment to safety, we continue to make improvements on the AA Highway that promise to enhance safety and reliability for the many people it serves in northeastern Kentucky .”

Congressman Geoff Davis (R-KY 4th) applauded the project, which is being funded by federal transportation dollars.

“The AA Highway is an important transportation link for northeastern Kentucky," said Davis. "This funding will result in much-needed improvements to highway safety for the commonwealth and this region particularly. I thank Governor Fletcher for making improved safety on the AA a priority."

The project includes resurfacing 0.4 miles of the AA Highway at the intersection of KY 57. As part of a Federal Highway Administration pilot project, the contract also includes an updated striping plan - allowing for wider shoulders and promoting increased driver attention and visibility.

“Our primary goal is to increase safety for the traveling public,” said District 9 Chief District Engineer Katrina O. Bradley. “This safety improvement project will enhance motorists’ awareness of this high volume intersection.”

The low-bid contract was awarded to H.G. Mays Corporation, of Frankfort. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of this week.

Motorists are asked to “Drive Smart” and be alert for flaggers, workers, and equipment in the work zone. They are also asked to pay attention to traffic control devices such as cones, barrels, or barriers they might encounter. Delays are possible in the work area, so drivers should plan their trips accordingly.

Senator Borders presented the 12th Annual Regionalism Award to Mayor William T. Cooper of Vanceburg. The award is presented to a member of the BTADD Board of Directors who has been selected by peers as making outstanding contributions to the region.

Cooper has served on the Buffalo Trace ADD Board of Directors since 1990. He has served as the Board’s Chair for the past two years and the executive committee for the past 16 years. Cooper was elected mayor of Vanceburg in 1990, now serving his fourth term. He is a Vietnam era veteran, serving in the US Army from 1964 to 1968 and was honorably discharged. He is a Kentucky Colonel and a Kentucky Admiral.

Cooper is a past Chairman of the Vanceburg Lions Club and Vanceburg Utility Company, and a past Chairman and founding member of the Vanceburg-Lewis County Industrial Authority. He has been very active in recruiting industry to Vanceburg and Lewis County with Coroplast in the Vanceburg-Lewis County Industrial Park and Northern Contours in the two existing buildings owned by US Shoe. 

In addition, Cooper is a lifetime member of the DAV and a member of the VFW. He holds dual membership in the Masonic Lodges, Polar Star 363 in Vanceburg and St. Mary’s Lodge in Concord.

Cooper was educated in Lewis County Schools and attended Portsmouth Business College. He is a member of the Vanceburg Christian Church. He has been married to Barbara Dummitt Cooper for 33 years and they have one daughter and son-in-law, and three grandchildren. Mayor and Mrs. Cooper are the owners of Chigger’s Dairy Bar and Tobacco, Gifts, and More.